📖 Meaning
This idiom means to call out to and summon one's companions, gathering friends and peers together. It vividly describes the act of beckoning one's fellows to join, often used to portray scenes of companionship and shared activity.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from the poem '赠秀才入军' (Presented to the Scholar Joining the Army) by Ji Kang (嵇康, 224–263), the famed philosopher, musician, and writer of the Wei state during the Three Kingdoms period. The poem contains the line '鸳鸯于飞，啸侣命俦，朝游高原，夕宿中洲' (Mandarin ducks fly in pairs, whistling to summon their companions; roaming the high plateau by day, resting on the central islet at night). Ji Kang used the image of mandarin ducks calling their mates to express his longing for his brother and his yearning for companionship.
💡 Example Usage
春和景明，众人啸侣命俦，结伴出游赏花。
On a bright and mild spring day, the group called to their companions and set out together to enjoy the flowers.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 啸侣命俦
- Pinyin: xiāo lǚ mìng chóu
- Literal Translation: whistle, companions, summon, fellows
- Category: Action
- Characters: 4